Nicko McBrain Retires from Iron Maiden Touring

Nicko McBrain, the 72-year-old drummer of Iron Maiden, has announced his retirement from touring after 42 years with the band, marking his final performance in São Paulo, Brazil on December 7. His decision follows a challenging year recovering from a stroke that left him paralyzed on his right side. Despite stepping back from touring, McBrain expressed his intention to remain involved with Iron Maiden through various projects and personal ventures, including his businesses related to drumming. He thanked his fans, family, and bandmates in a heartfelt statement, emphasizing the joy of his journey with the band. Iron Maiden's management noted the significance of concluding his touring career in Brazil, where the band has a longstanding relationship with fans. A replacement drummer has not yet been officially announced, though speculation suggests Joe Lazarus may be a likely candidate.